Abstract
Sarcopenia is a disease of old age characterized by decreased muscle mass and strength. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) promote muscle mass synthesis and increase muscle strength. We aimed to develop a dietary amino acid database and to examine the association between BCAA intake and handgrip strength in Korean older adults. Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014–2018 were used. Overall, 4852 participants aged ≥65 years were included in the study. Demographic, lifestyle, and health data were obtained through interviews and questionnaires. The 24-h recall method was used to assess dietary intake. An amino acid database was established using the 9th revision of the Korean Standard Food Composition Table. The mean handgrip strength was estimated from triplicate measurements obtained using the dominant hand. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to assess the association between BCAA intake and handgrip strength. Grains greatly contributed to amino acid intake; however, a significant negative association was observed between handgrip strength and increased BCAA intake through grains. In the fully adjusted model, leucine intake and handgrip strength showed a positive association. Thus, consuming BCAAs (especially leucine) via a variety of food sources can help maintain muscle health in older people.
Highlights
Published: 30 April 2021Aging is a phenomenon that reduces the ability to adapt to the external stress and the environment over time, resulting in a decreased physiological functional capacity and increased susceptibility to diseases [1]
Numerous changes in body composition occur as muscles weaken and body fat levels increase [2], and the consequent decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength is known as sarcopenia [3]
We observed a significant negative association between handgrip strength and Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) derived from grains, whereas BCAAs derived from nongrain food groups had a positive linear association with handgrip strength
Summary
Aging is a phenomenon that reduces the ability to adapt to the external stress and the environment over time, resulting in a decreased physiological functional capacity and increased susceptibility to diseases [1]. Numerous changes in body composition occur as muscles weaken and body fat levels increase [2], and the consequent decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength is known as sarcopenia [3]. Korea is expected to increase sharply from 12.8% in 2017 to 46.5% in 2067 [9]. The prevalence of sarcopenia in older people will continue to increase, and the clinical and economic burdens are expected to gradually rise [10]
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